Contact information
For information about the methodology for calculating population served, contact Jay Yingling or Yassert Gonzalez at (352) 796-7211, or toll-free at 1-800-423-1476 (Florida only), extensions 4406 and 4417, respectively.
This page is your comprehensive source for public supply service area population estimation information. It brings together all the resources necessary to help you generate and accurately estimate the population in your service area.
The data are particularly helpful to those who must estimate utility service area population according to the District’s Water Use Permit Information Manual, Part D (see “Population methodology” below). Data are also provided for the calculation of the significant use deduction where the deduction is based on the most recent Districtwide 3-year average percent of water use that is industrial/commercial. Population projections for the various regulatory, political and hydrologic geographies of the District are provided as well.
Quick calculation guide
If you are not interested in background information or replicating the District's methodology, we have prepared a guide titled How to Quickly Calculate Required and Optional Population Served Estimates using data found in District and Utility Demographics. This guide shows you how to generate population estimates using information found on this website.
Public supply service area maps
The quality of your population estimate depends on the accuracy of your service area map. Please take a moment to review your public supply service area map. Below are links to view the map using GIS or the MapViewer. It is important that the map we have on file for your service area is accurate. The statistics and ratios provided are based on this map. Consequently, if the developed portion of your service area has expanded significantly (e.g., recent annexation) or shrunk (e.g., deletion of territory), you should contact us. Our contact information is found in the upper right corner of this website. The service area boundaries are also used by the District in developing population projections so it is in your interest to ensure they are correct regardless of lack of changes to the developed portions of the service area.
Please note that we are unable to make changes to your utility retail water service area boundary if they would result in overlaps with another utility. Furthermore, any population within, or projected to be within, an overlap will be counted as self supplied (i.e., not included in either service area) for all District applications of this GIS layer. For us to incorporate your new boundaries into our GIS layer, we would need supporting documentation that would address any potential overlapping areas. To save time, revision to your service area boundary should be made relative to the boundaries in the District's service area layer to avoid unintentional overlaps. Please remember to review contact information associated with your service area. You may submit updates using the Public Supply Service Area Information. Keeping this information current ensures you are notified of any apparent discrepancies, overlaps, or other service area related issues.
Please note that significant definable areas (such as blocks, subdivisions and trailer or RV parks) that are self-supplied within your service area must be delineated and identified as "self-supplied." Other utilities within your service area should be excluded or they will result in an overlap.
ArcGIS users
Download the public supply service areas layer
Non-GIS users
Public supply service area information
Please use the PSSA Service Area Information to submit any contact person changes.
Population data by utility service area
This spreadsheet provides census and other required and optional data at the service area level that are needed to estimate service area population using the population methodology outlined in Part D. All data are provided with the exception of year of interest dwelling units served (which must be supplied by the utility) and the number of public lodging rooms served (which may be identified by the utility as served from the District’s public lodging facilities layer). Data may be entered directly into the worksheets in Part D, Appendix C. Appendix C worksheets may be downloaded under “Population methodology” below.
Open or save data for appendix C worksheets
Public lodging facilities layer
This is an ArcGIS layer in which location, address and number of rooms data for all licensed public lodging facilities have been geo-coded. Lodging unit (rooms) data on the facilities, if actually served by the utility, may be used in the worksheet in Part D, Appendix C to estimate the tourist population of the utility service area.
ArcGIS users
Download the public lodging facilities layer
Non-GIS users
Census variable layer
We have also prepared an ArcGIS layer with relevant 2000 Census information for each census block in the District if you wish to view or use the raw census data. The SWUCA census variables GIS data layer (.exe; 23MB) has the following variables for each census block:
- Population in Households (P016001)
- Households (P015001)
- Group Quarters Population (P027024)
- Housing Units (H001001)
- Permanent Population (P001001)
ArcGIS users
Download the census variables layer
Non-GIS users
Map viewer
For non-GIS users to view the above layers, launch map viewer.
Need help? Learn how to identify census geographies using the map viewer for non-GIS users. This document focuses on census geographies and data but the instructions can be applied to other layers and data as well.
Population methodology
The SWUCA II rules include amendments governing the estimation of water utility retail service area population for use in the calculation of per capita water use. Utilities in other portions of the District may wish to use the methodology to estimate service area population as well. The intent of the rule amendments is to improve the accuracy and consistency of service area population estimates. Persons interested in these new requirements and the resources the District has made available to assist in meeting these new requirements may want to view the following:
Proposed methodology and data for calculating required population served
- Water Use Permit Information Manual, Part D: Requirements for the Estimation of Permanent and Temporal Service Area Populations, which includes Appendix A: Population Data Sources, etc. and Appendix B: Population Survey Minimum Requirements
- Appendix C: Worksheets A to I to document calculations (Excel)
- Appendix D: Seasonal Resident and Permanent Population by ZIP Code (SWUCA only; Excel)
- Appendix D: Seasonal Resident and Permanent Population by ZIP Code (Districtwide; Excel)
Optional population data and additional information
- Lodging facilities in the District's counties GIS data layer
- Net Commuters and Housing Units (Census Tract level) (SWUCA only, optional supplement; Microsoft Excel file .xls)
- Net Commuters and Housing Units (Census Tract level) (Districtwide, optional supplement; Microsoft Excel file .xls)
- User's Background and Information:
Use of Hospital Admissions Data to Estimate Seasonal Resident Population
- How to Obtain Block, Tract and ZIP Code Maps from the Census Bureau (1.2MB)
Public supply permittee surveys
Each year, the District conducts annual surveys of public and private potable water suppliers. These surveys are an important source of data and information that are used to support the District’s water resource programs and initiatives, including water supply planning, water use permitting and water conservation. If a utility is located within a water use caution area, they may be able to satisfy most of the annual reporting requirements under the special conditions of the water use permit by completing the surveys. View our public supply permittee survey .
Three-year average Districtwide percent industrial/commercial use for significant use deductions
If a utility’s industrial/commercial use as a percentage of gross use exceeds the three-year Districtwide average, the utility may be entitled to a deduction from gross use for the purposes of calculating service area per capita water use. See “Significant Use” in Section 3.6 in Part B of the Water Use Permit Information Manual for details and limitations. View data and calculations.
Regional Water Supply Plan population projections
View population projections by utility service area for the Regional Water Supply Plan
Population projections
Every year, the District generates population projections for the 16 counties wholly or partially under its jurisdiction. The population projections contain only those population sectors included in census counts. These population projections are based upon percent county population as of the time of the census in Table A1 of Estimates of 2000 Census Populations by Political and Geographic Boundaries of the SWFWMD (GIS Assoc., 2004) and the Bureau of Economic and Business Research’s Projections of Florida Population by County.
2007-2035 District Census Percent Population Projections
DRAFT GIS model population projections for public supply service areas
These DRAFT projections are based on the April 1, 2006 BEBR estimates and 2030 projections published in 2007 and available updates to local government Future Land Use Maps (FLUMs) collected in 2007. These projections are only meant to be used to gather stakeholder input and may be further refined, as appropriate based on such input. It is anticipated that the FINAL GIS Model Population Projections will be made available in Spring 2009.
